The history of satellite remote sensing applications is not so recent, and there have been numerous national activities and international initiatives to promote the use of these applications for managing disasters of natural or manmade causes. Space-based remote sensing is carried out by means of both passive and active sensors onboard polar and geostationary orbital platforms. A major program developed to use space technology in disaster management is the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters.” It was established to achieve cooperation among space agencies and space system operators to deliver data and information products to help civil protection, rescue, and relief organizations in the wake of disasters: hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, forest fires, and oil/chemical spills. In this chapter, in addition to remote sensing principles, policies, and programs, some typical cases of disaster coverage by the International Charter are described to demonstrate the growing relationship between space data and service providers and the user communities in need.

Introduction

One of the immediate casualties in the event of a major disaster is the very system on the ground that is expected to be of help in responding to the disaster. The management of a major disaster is often beyond the scope of the ground-based or airborne systems, hence the use of space technologies, which is not only beneficial but also necessary.